Confronting Fear

Varykino

They said it hurt their eyes, but he would never know
That they were filled with regret as their own dissipated
He said, I now feel more desperately alone
Even though they wrapped their arms around me

The Boy who Destroyed the World- AFI

Blue and green filled Ben's viewscreen as he exited hyperspace with a course set for Varykino, Rey close on his heels. Despite the beauty of Naboo and the good memories -some of the few from his childhood- it held for him, he was not looking forward to spending three days locked up in a house with a group of people who wanted him dead. In fact, he had considered that this was all a trap but he knew Rey would never agree to such a thing, nor would his mother for that matter.

Mother.

He was nervous to see her again and had debated for days whether or not to tell her about his sojourn with Han. He still hadn't told Rey either, not the details anyway. She'd guessed when he had awoken holding the Falcon's dice and not only had she not pressed, she mentioned her own visit with her parents. The Force truly was a remarkable thing.

It was a private moment between a father and son, perhaps it should stay that way. But, no. Maybe, Leia should know...

Oh, Ben. This place is beautiful! Rey's awe filled voice reached into his mind as they descended on the yellow, red, and copper-green mansion built into the bluff overlooking the lake. He'd known instinctively Rey would like it here and was already planning to visit it with just the two of them.

Two of the five estate's landing pads were already full with the Redeemer and a sleek ship Rey didn't recognize. The two Taus made for a very full house indeed.

She was immediately accosted by BB8, Finn and Rose before Ben had even finished the landing process on his ship, all three speaking at once about their adventures since they had last been together.

The group quieted as the Supreme Leader descended from his ship, making eye contact with Finn; eye contact that was broken by an unknown but familiar laugh from somewhere just beyond the landing area.

"Lando!" Rey shouted, as the source of the laugh was revealed to be none other than Lando escorting Leia out to the landing area, his face full of its usual mirth and mischief. Threepio followed behind as though unsure what he should be doing.

"Good to see you, Rey. Leia tells me you've been up to all sorts of trouble since Pasaana." Lando accused good-naturedly

"Oh, you have no idea," she replied, pausing as a tremble passed from Ben to her through the bond.

Ben, what....

"If it isn't my nephew!" Lando turned his attention to Ben but did not move to embrace him as he had Rey.

I didn't know he was going to be here, Ben responded tensely.

Neither did I, Rey admitted.

"Say, where are Poe and Chewy?" Rey asked, realizing the boisterous pair were missing.

"They're on board the Fulcrum preparing everything for the conference. They'll be back tonight." Leia answered as she embraced Rey, but like Lando didn't move towards Ben's stiff figure. "Welcome, Ben."

"Yes, welcome Master Ben, and you Miss Rey," Threepio had finally started talking and Ben swore he could here everyone present's inward groan.

"Threepio, take Rey and Ben's trunks to their quarters and then see to it that the kitchen droids are going to be ready for dinner tonight." Leia said with authority.